Topical use of an antimicrobial formulation

ABSTRACT

The present document describes a method of preventing or treating a hoof bacterial infection on at least one hoof of a live hoofed animal having a bacterial presence thereon with an antibacterial formulation comprising: a) at least one antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin; b) at least one surfactant sufficient to form a solution or dispersion of said phenolic compound in water; c) a solvent for dissolving said phenolic compound; and d) a sufficient water quantity to make 100% (w/w).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b) as a continuation-in-partapplication. This application claims priority under 35 USC § 120 of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/790,911 filed Mar. 8, 2013, the entirecontents of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

(a) Field

The subject matter disclosed generally relates to a method of reducing amicrobial presence on a part of a subject by topically contacting thesubject's part with an antimicrobial formulation for a time sufficientto reduce the microbial presence.

(b) Related Prior Art

Pathogens such as fungi, viruses, bacteria and bacterial spores areresponsible for a plethora of human and animal health problems, as wellas contamination of food and biological and environmental samples. Thefirst step in microbial infections is generally attachment orcolonization of skin or mucus membranes, followed by subsequent invasionand dissemination of the infectious microbe. The portals of entry ofpathogenic bacteria are predominantly the skin and mucus membranes.

In spite of modern improvements in hygiene and infection prevention,human and livestock health has become an increasingly important publichealth issue. This has been due in part to the fact that infectionscaused by bacteria, viruses and fungi have increased as a result oftravel and global interconnections.

Effective disease prevention is key in maintaining healthy human andanimal populations. Over the years the improvement in and availabilityof vaccines has greatly assisted in the prevention of a large number ofdiseases. However, even well vaccinated human and animal population cansuccumb under severe challenge. Moreover, since vaccines are notavailable for all the diseases to be prevented, well planned andmonitored bio-security program, coupled with an effective disinfectionand vaccination program, are essential for maintaining the health ofthese populations.

Antimicrobials formulations play a vital role in any biosecurity system,both in the process of terminal disinfection and in the ongoing hygienemaintenance. Apart from relatively minor changes and improvements informulations, there has been little innovation in human or livestockantimicrobial formulations and large-surface antimicrobial formulationsdevelopment for some fifteen to twenty years.

A great many of the current antimicrobial formulations, includingsanitizers and disinfectants, contain antimicrobial agents which are notnaturally occurring. Typical antimicrobial agents used in sanitizers anddisinfectants include chemical disinfectants such as phenolic compounds,quaternary ammonium compounds, strong oxidizer, formaldehyde and halogencontaining compounds. Such materials are not of natural origin (i.e. notfound in nature) and are prepared through chemical processing andsynthesis. A great many of these “synthetic” disinfectants causeundesirable effects on both the environment and on human health.

Benefect Natural Hand Sanitizer is a thyme oil based hand cleaner. HenceBenefect's product can be applied on human skin for disinfecting hands.Although this is a thyme oil based antimicrobial for topical applicationon human skin, it does not include an antimicrobial isolated orsynthetic phenolic compound of natural origin in combination with asurfactant, a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound and anaqueous carrier.

CleanWell's hand sanitizer has 0.05% thyme oil as one of the ingredientsas well as citric acid as per the detailed product material safety datasheet. Although this is a thyme oil based antimicrobial for topicalapplication on human skin, it does not include an antimicrobial isolatedor synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin in combination with asurfactant, a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound and anaqueous carrier.

International Publication No. WO 2010/010320 discloses the use of acomposition which comprises a 100% of carvacrol, thymol and p-cymeneonly as a therapeutic agent or disinfectant with broad spectrumantimicrobial activity. However, this document does not teach thetopical use of an antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compoundof natural origin in combination with a surfactant, a solvent fordissolving the phenolic compound and an aqueous carrier.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,293,286 discloses a method for killing parasites thatincludes the step of topically applying onto a companion animal acomposition which includes a natural, non-synthetic active ingredient.However, the disclosed composition includes ingredients such as methylsalicylate and vanillin. However, this document does not teach thetopical use of an antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compoundof natural origin in combination with a surfactant, a solvent fordissolving the phenolic compound and an aqueous carrier.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,763 discloses a waterless hand cleaner formulationwhich includes an organic solvent, a quantity of water and a surfactantpresent to form a gelatinous emulsion. The gelatinous emulsion is loadedwith 0.1 to 25 total weight percent of a natural essential oil havingtopical antimicrobial activity. However, this document does not teachthe topical use of an antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenoliccompound of natural origin in combination with a surfactant, a solventfor dissolving the phenolic compound and an aqueous carrier.

US Patent Publication No. 2011/0223114 discloses an antimicrobialcomposition. It particularly relates to an antimicrobial composition forcleansing or personal care. However, this document does not teach thetopical use of an antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compoundof natural origin in combination with a surfactant, a solvent fordissolving the phenolic compound and an aqueous carrier.

US Patent Publication No. 2010/0272818 discloses compositions whichinclude terpenes which are particularly suitable for treating plantinfections, to methods of making such composition, and to methods ofusing them. However, the composition disclosed is in the form of liquid,pellets or tablets and may include hollow glucan particles or cell wallparticles.

US Patent Publication No. 2011/0206790 discloses natural essential oilbased foamable compositions to be used as antimicrobial substances whichinclude essential oils as antimicrobial agent. Additionally, thecomposition includes a source of divalent copper ions.

US Patent Publication No. 2009/0258098 discloses an antifungalcomposition and penetrating carrier system for topical treatment ofdermatophytic infection and secondary bacterial infections. Thecomposition includes an excipient, a penetration enhancer and at leastone antifungal essential oil component.

Moreover, US Patent Publication No. 2009/0269394 discloses a method fortreating and completely curing fungal, yeast and/or mold infections inhuman subjects comprising the step of topically administering to a humansubject in need an antifungal nanoemulsion composition. The compositionincludes an aqueous phase and about 1% to 80% of essential oil.

There is therefore a need for an improved method for reducing amicrobial topical presence on a live subject without the health hazardsand drawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, there is provided a method of preventing ortreating a hoof bacterial infection on at least one hoof of a livehoofed animal having a bacterial presence thereon, the method consistingof topically applying to the hoof an antibacterial formulation for atime sufficient to reduce the bacterial presence, the antibacterialformulation consisting of :

-   -   a) one antibacterial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound of        natural origin selected from the group consisting of thymol and        carvacrol;    -   b) at least one surfactant sufficient to form a solution or        dispersion of the phenolic compound in water;    -   c) a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound;    -   d) a pH adjusting agent; and    -   e) a sufficient water quantity to make 100% (w/w).

The formulation may comprise from about 0.05% to about 25% (w/w) of thephenolic compound.

The formulation may comprise from about 0.1% to about 15% (w/w) of thesurfactant.

The formulation may comprise from about 0.1% to about 40% (w/w) of thesolvent.

The formulation may comprise from about 0.01% to about 5% (w/w) of thepH adjusting agent.

The phenolic compound may be thymol.

The surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of sodiumlauryl sulfate, sorbitan stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, sarkosyl,cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium lauryl ether sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylate, sorbitan esters and etherethoxylate.

The antibacterial formulation has a pH from about 1 to about 10.

The pH adjusting agent may be chosen from citric acid, lactic acid,hydrochloric acid, boric acid, acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, potassiumhydroxide, sulfuric acid, calcium carbonate, ammonium carbonate,ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium citrate, sodium citrate, magnesiumcarbonate, sodium carbonate, monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate,trisodium phosphate, monopotassium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate,tripotassium phosphate, Tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS),paracetic acid, propionic acid, fumaric acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid,phenylacetic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, dehydroacetic acid,glycine, 2-amino-2methyl-1,3-propanediol (AMPD),N-(1,1-Dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-3-amino-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid(AMPSO), N-Glycylglycine (Gly-Gly),4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-propanesulfonic acid (HEPPS),3-(cyclohexylamino)-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPS),3-(cyclohexylamino)-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPSO),2-(cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid (CHES),N,N-bis[2-hydroxyethyl]-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid (BES),(2-[2-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethylamino] ethanesulphonic acid(TES), 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES),N-[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine (Tricine);N-Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (TAPS) and3-N-Morpholino propanesulfonic acid (MOPS),piperazie-N,N′-bis[2-hydroxypropanesulphonic]acid (POPSO), or acombination thereof.

The hoof bacterial infection may be chosen from a hoof rot, hoof scald,hoof abscesses, and combinations thereof.

The topically applying may be with one of a spray, a bath, a footbath, adirect application, a wipe, a cream, an ointment, a gel, or an unguent.

The hoof bacterial infection may be a lesion.

The lesion may be one of an ulcer, a diabetic ulcer, a furuncle, acarbuncle, a fissure, a crack, or a blister.

The hoof bacterial infection may be one of a salmonella infection, an E.coli infection, a staphylococcal infection, a spirochete infection, animpetigo, an ecthyma, a carbunculosis, a folliculitis, an erysipelas, anafrican tick bite fever, an arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection, abotryomycosis, a brucellosis, a canker, a chlamydial infection, achronic lymphangitis, a chronic recurrent erysipelas, a cutaneousanthrax infection, a cutaneous diphtheria infection, a cutaneous group Bstreptococcal infection, a cutaneous pasteurella hemolytica infection, acutaneous streptococcus iniae infection, a dermatitis gangrenosa, adesert sore, a digital dermatitis, a ecthyma gangrenosuma erythrasma, afoot abscess, a furunculosis, a gas gangrene, a glanders, agram-negative folliculitis, a helicobacter cellulitis, an infected oilgland, an interdigital dermatitis, an interdigital phlegmon, an Italianfoot rot a leptospirosis, a Listeria monocytogenes infection, alisteriosis, a melioidosis, a necrotizing fasciitis, a pasteurellosis, apododermatitis, a primary gonococcal dermatitis, a salmonellosis, asuper foot rot, or a toxic shock syndrome.

The live hoofed animal may be livestock.

The live hoofed animal may be cattle.

The live hoofed animal may be a dairy cow.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a method ofpreventing or treating a hoof bacterial infection on at least one hoofof a live hoofed animal having a bacterial presence thereon, the methodconsisting of topically applying to the hoof an antibacterialformulation for a time sufficient to reduce the bacterial presence, theantibacterial formulation consisting of:

-   -   a) one antibacterial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound of        natural origin selected from the group consisting of thymol and        carvacrol;    -   b) at least one surfactant sufficient to form a solution or        dispersion of the phenolic compound in water;    -   c) a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound; and    -   d) a sequestering agent;    -   e) a pH adjusting agent; and    -   f) a sufficient water quantity to make 100% (w/w).

The phenolic compound may be from about 0.05% to about 25% (w/w) of theformulation.

The surfactant may be from about 0.1% to about 15% (w/w) of theformulation.

The solvent may be from about 0.1% to about 40% (w/w) of theformulation.

The formulation may comprise from about 0.01% to about 5% (w/w) of thepH adjusting agent.

The formulation may comprise from about 0.01% to about 10% (w/w) of thesequestering agent.

The phenolic compound may be thymol.

The surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of sodiumlauryl sulfate, sorbitan stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, sarkosyl,cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium lauryl ether sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylate, sorbitan esters and etherethoxylate.

The sequestering agent may be selected from the group consisting ofethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) sodium salt, sodium gluconate,sodium citrate, citric acid, trisodium NTA, trisodium ethylenedisuccinate, sodium phosphate and sodium choleate.

The pH of the antibacterial formulation has a pH from about 1 to about10.

The pH adjusting agent may be chosen from citric acid, lactic acid,hydrochloric acid, boric acid, acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, potassiumhydroxide, sulfuric acid, calcium carbonate, ammonium carbonate,ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium citrate, sodium citrate, magnesiumcarbonate, sodium carbonate, monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate,trisodium phosphate, monopotassium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate,tripotassium phosphate, Tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS),paracetic acid, propionic acid, fumaric acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid,phenylacetic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, dehydroacetic acid,glycine, 2-amino-2methyl-1,3-propanediol (AMPD),N-(1,1-Dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-3-amino-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid(AMPSO), N-Glycylglycine (Gly-Gly),4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-propanesulfonic acid (HEPPS),3-(cyclohexylamino)-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPS),3-(cyclohexylamino)-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPSO),2-(cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid (CHES),N,N-bis[2-hydroxyethyl]-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid (BES),(2-[2-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethylamino] ethanesulphonic acid(TES), 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES),N-[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine (Tricine);N-Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (TAPS) and3-N-Morpholino propanesulfonic acid (MOPS),piperazie-N,N′-bis[2-hydroxypropanesulphonic]acid (POPSO), or acombination thereof.

The hoof bacterial infection may be chosen from a hoof rot, hoof scald,hoof abscesses, and combinations thereof.

The topically applying may be with one of a spray, a bath, a footbath, adirect application, a wipe, a cream, an ointment, a gel, or an unguent.

The hoof bacterial infection may be a lesion.

The lesion may be one of an ulcer, a diabetic ulcer, a furuncle, acarbuncle, a fissure, a crack, or a blister.

The bacterial infection may be one of a salmonella infection, an E. coliinfection, a staphylococcal infection, a spirochete infection, animpetigo, an ecthyma, a carbunculosis, a folliculitis, an erysipelas, anafrican tick bite fever, an arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection, abotryomycosis, a brucellosis, a canker, a chlamydial infection, achronic lymphangitis, a chronic recurrent erysipelas, a cutaneousanthrax infection, a cutaneous diphtheria infection, a cutaneous group Bstreptococcal infection, a cutaneous pasteurella hemolytica infection, acutaneous streptococcus iniae infection, a dermatitis gangrenosa, adesert sore, a digital dermatitis, a ecthyma gangrenosuma erythrasma, afoot abscess, a furunculosis, a gas gangrene, a glanders, agram-negative folliculitis, a helicobacter cellulitis, an infected oilgland, an interdigital dermatitis, an interdigital phlegmon, an Italianfoot rot a leptospirosis, a Listeria monocytogenes infection, alisteriosis, a melioidosis, a necrotizing fasciitis, a pasteurellosis, apododermatitis, a primary gonococcal dermatitis, a salmonellosis, asuper foot rot, or a toxic shock syndrome.

The live hoofed animal may be livestock.

The live hoofed animal may be cattle.

The live hoofed animal may be a dairy cow.

The following terms are defined below.

The term “about” is intended to mean a value includes an inherentvariation of error for the device or the method being employed todetermine the value.

The term “hard water” is intended to mean a water having a highconcentration of dissolved minerals and solids.

The terms “phenolic compound”, “natural origin”, “phenolic compound ofnatural origin” is intended to mean a phenolic compounds that exist orare produced in nature. Such phenolic compounds can be extracted orisolated from their natural environment by any suitable means. Ofcourse, such phenolic compounds can also be synthetically produced bythe hand of man. Such synthetic equivalents are within the definition of“natural origin”. It is important to note that in cases where thecomposition would include a combination of more than one phenoliccompound, the combination would not consist of i-carvacrol, thymol andp-cymene or ii-thymol and terpineol together or in combination withother phenolic compounds.

The term “appendage” is intended to mean an external body part, ornatural prolongation, that protrudes from an organism's body, such asthe arm, hand, leg, foot, hoof, sexual organs, tails, ears, nose, udder,etc.

The term “skin” is intended to mean the soft outer covering ofvertebrates. In mammals, the skin is the largest organ of theintegumentary system made up of multiple layers of ectodermal tissue,and guards the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs.This includes the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, and the hair andfur.

The terms “topical” or “topically” are intended to mean the body andbody surface of a subject, including the skin and/or mucous membranes,as well as the appendages covered by the skin.

The term “time sufficient” is intended to mean any time necessary toachieve the desired therapeutic or preventive results. For example, thetime may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 30, 60 seconds orminutes, or 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more hours. The time sufficient mayalso be numerous repetitions of the treatment.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one”, butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”,and “one or more than one”. Similarly, the word “another” may mean atleast a second or more.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (andany form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having”(and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and anyform of including, such as “include” and “includes”) or “containing”(and any form of containing, such as “contain” and “contains”), areinclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or process steps.

Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become moreapparent in light of the following detailed description of selectedembodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will berealized, the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable ofmodifications in various respects, all without departing from the scopeof the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to beregarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive and the fullscope of the subject matter is set forth in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In embodiment there is disclosed a method of reducing a microbialpresence on at least one part of a subject. The method includestopically contacting the subject's part with an antimicrobialformulation for a time sufficient to reduce the microbial presence. Theantimicrobial formulation includes :

a) at least one antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound ofnatural origin;

b) at least one surfactant sufficient to form a solution or dispersionof the phenolic compound in an aqueous carrier;

c) a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound; and

d) a sufficient aqueous carrier quantity to make 100% (w/w).

Phenolic Compounds of Natural Origin

The phenolic compounds of natural origin used in the present inventionare antimicrobial agents that are so-called “natural” antimicrobialactives. These actives derive their names from their natural occurrencein plants. These antimicrobial phenolic compounds are the key chemicalcomponents of plant essential oils that have been found to provide theantimicrobial benefit.

The phenolic compounds of natural origin as used in the presentinvention can be synthetically made by known methods within the capacityof a skilled technician, or can be obtained from plant oil extracts. Inan embodiment of the present invention, the phenolic compounds ofnatural origin are obtained from plant extracts. In a further embodimentof the present invention, the phenolic compounds of natural origin arecommercially available.

The phenolic compounds of natural origin as used in the presentinvention can include, but are not limited to, thymol (present forexample in thyme), eugenol (present for example in cinnamon), menthol(present for example in mint), geraniol (present for example in geraniumor rose), verbenone (present for example in vervain), eucalyptol(present for example in eucalyptus), cedrol (present for example incedar), pinocarvone, carvacrol (which is isomeric with thymol, and ispresent for example in oregano), anethol (present for example inaniseed) hinokitiol, berberine, terpineol, limonene, ratanhiae, citral(present for example in lemon myrtle) and mixtures thereof. According toa preferred embodiment of the present invention the phenolic compoundsof natural origin as used in the present invention are thymol, eugenol,carvacrol, and citral. In yet a further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the phenolic compounds of natural origin comprisecarvacrol and thymol. In a most preferred embodiment, the phenoliccompounds of natural origin comprise thymol. It is important to notethat in cases where the composition would include a combination of morethan one phenolic compound, the combination would not consist ofi-carvacrol, thymol and p-cymene or ii-thymol and terpineol together orin combination with other phenolic compounds.

According to an embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about0.05% to about 25% (w/w) of the phenolic compound. According to anotherembodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 5% to about 25%(w/w) of the phenolic compound. According to yet another embodiment, theformulation may comprise from about 15% to about 25% (w/w) of thephenolic compound. According to another embodiment, the formulation maycomprise thymol from about 0.05% to about 25% (w/w). According toanother embodiment, the formulation may comprise thymol from about 0.05%to about 0.49% (w/w) of the formulation. In a particular embodiment, theantimicrobial formulations of the present invention comprise 0.18% (w/w)thymol. According to yet another embodiment, the formulation maycomprise thymol from about 0.23% (w/w) of the formulation.

Essential Oils

In an embodiment, the antimicrobial formulations of the presentinvention may further comprise one or more essential oils. Essentialoils derive their names from their natural occurrence in plants.Essential oils include oils derived from herbs, flowers, trees, andother plants. Such oils are typically present as tiny droplets betweenthe plant's cells, and can be extracted by several methods known tothose of skill in the art (e.g., steam distillation, enfleurage (i.e.,extraction using fat(s)), maceration, solvent extraction, or mechanicalpressing). Essential oils are typically named by the plant or vegetablein which the oil is found. For example, rose oil or peppermint oil isderived from rose or peppermint plants, respectively. Non-limitingexamples of essential oils that can be used in the context of thepresent invention include oils of anise, lemon oil, orange oil, oregano,rosemary oil, wintergreen oil, thyme oil, lavender oil, clove oil, hops,tea tree oil, citronella oil, wheat oil, barley oil, lemongrass oil,cedar leaf oil, cedar wood oil, cinnamon oil, fleagrass oil, geraniumoil, sandalwood oil, violet oil, cranberry oil, eucalyptus oil, vervainoil, peppermint oil, gum benzoin, basil oil, fennel oil, fir oil, balsamoil, menthol, ocmea origanum oil, Hydastis carradensis oil,Berberidaceae daceae oil, Ratanhiae and Curcuma longa oil, sesame oil,macadamia nut oil, evening primrose oil, Spanish sage oil, Spanishrosemary oil, coriander oil, thyme oil, pimento berries oil, rose oil,bergamot oil, rosewood oil, chamomile oil, sage oil, clary sage oil,cypress oil, sea fennel oil, frankincense oil, ginger oil, grapefruitoil, jasmine oil, juniper oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, marjoram oil,myrrh oil, neroli oil, patchouli oil, pepper oil, black pepper oil,petitgrain oil, pine oil, rose otto oil, spearmint oil, spikenard oil,vetiver oil, or ylang ylang. Other essential oils known to those ofskill in the art are also contemplated as being useful within thecontext of the present invention (e.g., International CosmeticIngredient Dictionary, 10th edition, 2004, which is incorporated byreference).

According to an embodiment, the essential oil may be essential oilchosen from the origanum oil, thyme oil, and eucalyptus oil. Accordingto a preferred embodiment, the essential oils used in the presentinvention are enriched in thymol and/or carvacrol. Thymol and carvacrolare naturally occurring disinfectants which are readily degraded in theenvironment. As such, there is little or no accumulation in theenvironment or in living organisms, even following repeated applicationof the antimicrobial formulations of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about0.0001% to about 4% (w/w) of the essential oil. According to anotherembodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.01% to about 4%(w/w) of the essential oil. According to yet another embodiment, theformulation may comprise from about 1% to about 4% (w/w) of theessential oil.

Surfactants

A surfactant (surface active agent) is generally intended to refer to asubstance which when dissolved in water, or other aqueous system,reduces the surface or interfacial tension between it and anothersubstance or material. According to another embodiment of the presentinvention the antimicrobial formulations used in the method of thepresent invention further comprise a surfactant. A suitable surfactantcomprises a water soluble or water dispersible nonionic, anionic,cationic, or an amphoteric compound. In a further embodiment, theantimicrobial formulations of the present invention comprise one or moreof the conventional anionic surfactants known in the art. Arepresentative listing of surfactants and properties thereof is detailedin Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th edition (Mack PublishingCompany). Non-limiting examples of surfactants according to anembodiment of the present invention include sodium lauryl sulfate,sorbitan stearate, sorbitan esters, sodium laureth sulfate, sarkosyl,cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium lauryl ether sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylate, hexadecylbetaine, laurylbetaine, and ether ethoxylate. According to another embodiment, one ormore additional surfactants may be included in the antimicrobialformulations used in the methods of the present invention.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the surfactant aids in thedispersion or emulsification of the phenolic compounds and/or theessential oils used in the present invention, within the aqueouscarrier. In a further embodiment of the present invention, thesurfactants aids in braking down the structure of biofilms throughdenaturation. In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, thesurfactant allows for the creation of a “foaming effect” when theantimicrobial solution is applied to a topical surface to be treated. Inyet a further embodiment of the present invention, the surfactant allowsfor an improvement of the viscosity response of another surfactant. Thecreation of a foam allows for the antimicrobial solutions to remain incontact with the topical surface to be treated for longer periods oftime. In yet a further embodiment, the surfactant acts as a “wetting”agent. Wetting agents typically reduce the surface tension of the watermolecules, allowing for a greater spreading of the solution and a deeperpenetration into small crack and crevices of the surface to be treated.

According to an embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.1%to about 15% (w/w) of the surfactant. According to another embodiment,formulation may comprise from about 5% to about 15% (w/w) of thesurfactant. According to another embodiment, the formulation comprisesfrom about 10% to about 15% (w/w) of the surfactant.

Solvents

The phenolic compounds of natural origin as used in the presentinvention (e.g. carvacrol, thymol) are typically not sufficientlysoluble in an aqueous medium. The antimicrobial formulations used in thepresent invention thus typically comprise a solvent. The solvents may behydrophilic, hydrophobic or amphiphilic in nature. In an embodiment, theantimicrobial formulations of the present invention comprise anamphiphilic solvent. Amphiphilic solvents are capable of solubilizingthe phenolic compounds of natural origin and/or the essential oil(s) inthe aqueous carrier. Non-limiting examples of solvents according to anembodiment of the present invention include methanol, ethanol,hexadecane, propylene glycol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propyleneglycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, 1,3-propanediol andhexylene glycol. The addition of a significant amount of solvent to theantimicrobial solutions of the present invention, allows for thesolutions to be used at temperatures slightly inferior to 0° C. It iswell within the capacity of a skilled technician to determine suchamounts of solvent. According to an embodiment of the present invention,the preferred solvent is propylene glycol methyl ether.

According to an embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.1%to about 40% (w/w) of the solvent. According to another embodiment, theformulation may comprise from about 5% to about 35% (w/w) of thesolvent. According to yet another embodiment, the formulation maycomprise from about 15% to about 30% (w/w) of the solvent.

Sequestering Agents

According to yet another embodiment, the antimicrobial formulations usedin the method of the present invention are often prepared on site frommixtures of ingredients in concentrated solution. According to anembodiment, tap water is used for dilution. Tap water generally has acertain amount of hardness. Since the presence of dissolved minerals(e.g. Ca++, Mg++) may adversely affect the performance and properties ofthe antimicrobial formulation, a sequestering agent is included in theformulation to chelate the dissolved minerals in the form of a watersoluble complex. Sequestering agents are well known in the art.Non-limiting examples include ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)sodium salt, sodium gluconate, sodium citrate, trisodium ethylenediaminedisuccinate, citric acid, trisodium NTA, sodium phosphate and sodiumcholeate. Sequestering agents typically prevent the dissolved mineralsfrom binding to the surfactant molecules. Moreover, sequestering agentsmay remove minerals from the surface to be disinfected.

According to an embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about0.01% to about 10% (w/w) of the sequestering agent. According to anotherembodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 1% to about 5% (w/w)of the sequestering agent. According to yet another embodiment, theformulation may comprise from about 1% to about 3% (w/w) of thesequestering agent.

Fragrance

Phenolic compounds of natural origin as used in the present inventiontypically have an associated pungent odor which may impede large-scaleapplications. Thus, according to yet another embodiment, theantimicrobial formulations of the present invention may further compriseone or more agents having the function of imparting a more pleasant odorthereto. According to yet another embodiment, the agent may have thedual function of further enhancing the antimicrobial properties of theformulations used in the present invention while imparting a morepleasant odor thereto. Non-limiting examples of agents imparting apleasant odor and/or enhancing the antimicrobial properties comprisecarvacrol, cymene, cineol, eugenol, thymol, menthol, citral andlimonene.

According to an embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about0.01% to about 5% (w/w) of the fragrance. According to yet anotherembodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.03% to about 5%(w/w) of the fragrance. According to yet another embodiment, theformulation may comprise from about 0.5% to about 5% (w/w) of thefragrance. According to yet another embodiment, the formulation maycomprise from about 0.01% to about 0.15% (w/w) of the fragrance.

Other Ingredients

The antimicrobial formulations of the present invention may optionallyinclude a wide range of additional ingredients non-limiting examples ofwhich include colorants, thickening agents, aloe vera, glycerine,vitamins and pH adjusting agents. Such additional ingredients are withinthe capacity of a skilled technician. Preferably, the pH of theantimicrobial formulation may be from about 1 to about 10.

The colorant may be a dye, a pigment, a biological pigment, an ink, afood coloring. In embodiments, the colorant may help identifying asurface as having been treated with the composition of the presentinvention. Examples of colorants include but are not limited to FD&CBlue No. 1—Brilliant Blue FCF, E133 (blue shade); FD&C Blue No.2—Indigotine, E132 (indigo shade); FD&C Green No. 3—Fast Green FCF, E143(turquoise shade); FD&C Red No. 3—Erythrosine, E127 (pink shade,commonly used in glace cherries); FD&C Red No. 40—Allura Red AC, E129(red shade); FD&C Yellow No. 5—Tartrazine, E102 (yellow shade); FD&CYellow No. 6—Sunset Yellow FCF, E110 (orange shade); E104: QuinolineYellow; E122: Carmoisine; E124: Ponceau 4R; E131: Patent Blue V; E142:Green S; Annatto (E160b), a reddish-orange dye made from the seed of theachiote; Betanin (E162) extracted from beets; Butterfly pea, a blue fooddye; Caramel coloring (E150a-d), made from caramelized sugar;Chlorophyllin (E140), a green dye made from chlorella algae; Elderberryjuice; Lycopene (E160d); Carmine (E120), a red dye derived from thecochineal insect, Dactylopius coccus; Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius),a green food coloring; Paprika (E160c), Turmeric (curcuminoids, E100),Saffron (carotenoids, E160a). Preferably the dye is blue.

The colorant may be used in any suitable concentration, for example atconcentrations of about 0.00005% to about 15% w/w, or from about 0.0005%to about 15% w/w, or from about 0.005% to about 15% w/w, or from about0.05% to about 15% w/w, or from about 0.01% to about 15% w/w, or fromabout 0.1 to about 15% w/w, or from about 0.25 to about 15% w/w, or fromabout 0.5% to about 15% w/w, or from about 1% to about 15%, or fromabout 5% to about 15%, or from about 10% to about 15%, about 0.00005% toabout 10% w/w, or from about 0.0005% to about 10% w/w, or from about0.005% to about 10% w/w, or from about 0.05% to about 10% w/w, or fromabout 0.01% to about 10% w/w, or from about 0.1 to about 10% w/w, orfrom about 0.25 to about 10% w/w, or from about 0.5% to about 10% w/w,or from about 1% to about 10%, or from about 5% to about 10%, about0.00005% to about 5% w/w, or from about 0.0005% to about 5% w/w, or fromabout 0.005% to about 5% w/w, or from about 0.01% to about 5% w/w, orfrom about 0.05% to about 5% w/w, or from about 0.1 to about 5% w/w, orfrom about 0.25 to about 5% w/w, or from about 0.5% to about 5% w/w, orfrom about 1% to about 5%, about 0.00005% to about 1% w/w, or from about0.0005% to about 1% w/w, or from about 0.005% to about 1% w/w, or fromabout 0.01% to about 1% w/w, or from about 0.1 to about 1% w/w, or fromabout 0.25 to about 1% w/w, or from about 0.5% to about 1% w/w, about0.00005% to about 0.25% w/w, or from about 0.0005% to about 0.25% w/w,or from about 0.005% to about 0.25% w/w, or from about 0.01% to about0.25% w/w, or from about 0.1 to about 0.25% w/w, or about 0.00005% toabout 0.1% w/w, or from about 0.0005% to about 0.1% w/w, or from about0.005% to about 0.1% w/w, or from about 0.01% to about 0.1% w/w, orabout 0.00005% to about 0.1% w/w, or from about 0.0005% to about 0.1%w/w, or from about 0.005% to about 0.1% w/w, or from about 0.01% toabout 0.1% w/w, or about 0.00005% to about 0.01% w/w, or from about0.0005% to about 0.01% w/w, or from about 0.005% to about 0.01% w/w, orfrom about 0.00005% to about 0.005% w/w, or from about 0.0005% to about0.005% w/w.

As used herein, the term “pH adjusting agent” is intended to mean acompound that will change the pH of a solution of the present inventionby making it more alkaline or acidic, as may be required. Examplesinclude acids, bases, as well as buffering agents.

According to some embodiments, in the first stage of cleaning, theidentity of the pollutant to be removed needs to be ascertained. Thereare two basic categories for pollutants: organic and inorganic. Organicpollutants are those based on carbon, such as oils, fats, carbohydrates,proteins, molds, yeasts, and animal waste. Inorganic pollutants aresubstances that are not organic (carbon-based), such as deposits oftartar and lime, rust, corrosion and oxidation. These types of foulingare usually removed by an acid cleaner (pH <7). The cleaning efficacycan be impacted by the pH of the solution. Furthermore, animal skinshave defined pH and they get in contact with solutions having pH levelsthat are divergent from these defined pH, which can cause irritation andimpair healing. Therefore, when animal skins are in contact with asolution of a similar pH value, the contact is gentler, causing no orless irritation and favors healing. Therefore, the pH of theformulations of the present invention may be from about 1 to about 11,or from about 2 to about 11, or from about 3 to about 11, or from about4 to about 11, or from about 5 to about 11, or from about 6 to about 11,or from about 7 to about 11, or from about 8 to about 11, or from about9 to about 11, or from about 10 to about 11, or from about 1 to about10, or from about 2 to about 10, or from about 3 to about 10, or fromabout 4 to about 10, or from about 5 to about 10, or from about 6 toabout 10, or from about 7 to about 10, or from about 8 to about 10, orfrom about 9 to about 10, or from about 1 to about 9, or from about 2 toabout 9, or from about 3 to about 9, or from about 4 to about 9, or fromabout 5 to about 9, or from about 6 to about 10, or from about 7 toabout 9, or from about 8 to about 9, or from about 1 to about 8, or fromabout 2 to about 8, or from about 3 to about 8, or from about 4 to about8, or from about 5 to about 8, or from about 6 to about 8, or from about7 to about 8, or from about 1 to about 7, or from about 2 to about 7, orfrom about 3 to about 7, or from about 4 to about 7, or from about 5 toabout 7, or from about 6 to about 7, or from about 1 to about 6, or fromabout 2 to about 6, or from about 3 to about 6, or from about 4 to about6, or from about 5 to about 6, or from about 1 to about 5, or from about2 to about 5, or from about 3 to about 5, or from about 4 to about 5, orfrom about 1 to about 4, or from about 2 to about 4, or from about 3 toabout 4, or from about 1 to about 3, or from about 2 to about 3, or fromabout 1 to about 2, or about 1, or about 1.5, or about 2, or about 2.5,or about 3, or about 3.5, or about 4, or about 4.5, or about 5, or about5.5, or about 6, or about 6.5, or about 7, or about 7.5, or about 8, orabout 8.5, or about 9, or about 9.5, or about 10, or about 10.5, orabout 11.

According to an embodiment, the pH adjusting agent is chosen from citricacid, lactic acid, hydrochloric acid, boric acid, acetic acid, sodiumhydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, calcium carbonate(CaCO₃), ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium citrate,sodium citrate, magnesium carbonate, sodium carbonate, mono, di and/ortrisodium phosphate, mono, di and/or tripotassium phosphate,Tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS), paracetic acid, propionic acid,fumaric acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, malic acid,tartaric acid, dehydroacetic acid, amino acids and zwitterions, such asglycine, 2-amino-2methyl-1,3-propanediol (AMPD), N-(1,1-Dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-3-amino-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid(AMPSO), N-Glycylglycine (Gly-Gly),4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-propanesulfonic acid (EPPS or HEPPS),3-(cyclohexylamino)-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPS),3-(cyclohexylamino)-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPSO),2-(cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid (CHES), N,N-bis[2-hydroxyethyl]-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid (BES),(2-[2-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethylamino] ethanesulphonic acid)(TES), 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES),N-[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine (Tricine);N-Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (TAPS) and3-N-Morpholino propanesulfonic acid (MOPS), piperazie-N,N′-bis[2-hydroxypropanesulphonic] acid (POPSO), and combinationsthereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the pH adjusting agent iscitric acid. According to another preferred embodiment, the pH adjustingagent is lactic acid.

The role of the pH adjusting agent is to adjust the acidity oralkalinity of the composition of the present invention, or increase thebuffer capacity in order to reduce pH variation upon application.According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention maycomprise from about 0.01% to about 5% (w/w), or from about 0.01% toabout 4%, or from about 0.01% to about 3%, or from about 0.01% to about2%, or from about 0.01% to about 1%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.75%,or from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.25%,or from about 0.01% to about 0.1%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.075%,or from about 0.01% to about 0.05%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.025%,or from about 0.01% to about 0.02%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.015%,or 0.015% to about 5% (w/w), or from about 0.015% to about 4%, or fromabout 0.015% to about 3%, or from about 0.015% to about 2%, or fromabout 0.015% to about 1%, or from about 0.015% to about 0.75%, or fromabout 0.015% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.015% to about 0.25%, or fromabout 0.015% to about 0.1%, or from about 0.015% to about 0.075%, orfrom about 0.015% to about 0.05%, or from about 0.015% to about 0.025%,or from about 0.015% to about 0.02%, or 0.02% to about 5% (w/w), or fromabout 0.02% to about 4%, or from about 0.02% to about 3%, or from about0.02% to about 2%, or from about 0.02% to about 1%, or from about 0.02%to about 0.75%, or from about 0.02% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.02%to about 0.25%, or from about 0.02% to about 0.1%, or from about 0.02%to about 0.075%, or from about 0.02% to about 0.05%, or from about 0.02%to about 0.025%, or 0.025% to about 5% (w/w), or from about 0.025% toabout 4%, or from about 0.025% to about 3%, or from about 0.025% toabout 2%, or from about 0.025% to about 1%, or from about 0.025% toabout 0.75%, or from about 0.025% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.025% toabout 0.25%, or from about 0.025% to about 0.1%, or from about 0.025% toabout 0.075%, or from about 0.025% to about 0.05%, or 0.05% to about 5%(w/w), or from about 0.05% to about 4%, or from about 0.05% to about 3%,or from about 0.05% to about 2%, or from about 0.05% to about 1%, orfrom about 0.05% to about 0.75%, or from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, orfrom about 0.05% to about 0.25%, or from about 0.05% to about 0.1%, orfrom about 0.05% to about 0.075%, or 0.075% to about 5% (w/w), or fromabout 0.075% to about 4%, or from about 0.075% to about 3%, or fromabout 0.075% to about 2%, or from about 0.075% to about 1%, or fromabout 0.075% to about 0.75%, or from about 0.075% to about 0.5%, or fromabout 0.075% to about 0.25%, or from about 0.075% to about 0.1%, or 0.1%to about 5% (w/w), or from about 0.1% to about 4%, or from about 0.1% toabout 3%, or from about 0.1% to about 2%, or from about 0.1% to about1%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.75%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.5%,or from about 0.1% to about 0.25%, or 0.25% to about 5% (w/w), or fromabout 0.25% to about 4%, or from about 0.25% to about 3%, or from about0.25% to about 2%, or from about 0.25% to about 1%, or from about 0.25%to about 0.75%, or from about 0.25% to about 0.5%, or 0.5% to about 5%(w/w), or from about 0.5% to about 4%, or from about 0.5% to about 3%,or from about 0.5% to about 2%, or from about 0.5% to about 1%, or fromabout 0.5% to about 0.75%, or 0.75% to about 5% (w/w), or from about0.75% to about 4%, or from about 0.75% to about 3%, or from about 0.75%to about 2%, or from about 0.75% to about 1%, or 1% to about 5% (w/w),or from about 1% to about 4%, or from about 1% to about 3%, or fromabout 1% to about 2%, or 2% to about 5% (w/w), or from about 2% to about4%, or from about 2% to about 3%, or 3% to about 5% (w/w), or from about3% to about 4%, or 4% to about 5% (w/w) of a pH adjusting agent. Thepreferred range over which it may be used is from about 1% to about 5%(w/w) in concentrated form of the present invention, or about 0.01% toabout 0.05% (w/w).

Method of Disinfection

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the antimicrobialformulations of the present invention may be applied onto a subject'spart to be topically contacted by means of a variety of techniques. Inan embodiment, the antimicrobial formulations of the present inventionare applied using a diffuser or a mist blower. Alternatively, theantimicrobial formulations of the present invention can also beformulated into aerosol formulations. Further means of applying theantimicrobial solutions of the present invention are within the capacityof a skilled technician. For example, the contact may be by means of abath, a footbath, a direct application, a wipe, a cream, an ointment, anunguent. Preferably, the topical contact may be with a footbath.

The antimicrobial formulations of the present invention can either beapplied directly or can be diluted prior to application. Due to thesubstantially non-corrosive nature of the antimicrobial formulations ofthe present invention, the formulations can be readily applied withoutundue damage to the subject's part. Non limiting example of a subject'spart that may be treated according to the method of the presentinvention include a skin, a limb, a head, an ear, a nose, a hand, afoot, a mucosa, a hoof, or combinations thereof.

According to an embodiment, the subject to be contacted according to themethod of the present invention may be a mammal or poultry. According toembodiments, the mammal may be chosen from a bovine, an ovine, a canine,a caprine, an equine, a feline, a porcine, a rodent and a human.According to embodiments, the poultry is chosen from a chicken, a duck,an emu, a goose, a turkey, and a pheasant.

According to yet another embodiment, the method of the present inventionmay be used for reducing a microbial presence for preventing or treatinga disease such as a hoof rot, hoof scald, hoof abscesses, andcombinations thereof. According to yet another embodiment, the method ofthe present invention may be used for preventing or treating a diseasechosen from a skin lesion, a disease of an appendage, a bacterialinfection, and a fungal infection.

According to an embodiment, the bacterial infection may be one of asalmonella infection, an E. Coli infection, a staphylococcal infection,a spirochete infection, an impetigo, an ecthyma, a carbunculosis, afolliculitis, an erysipelas, an aeromonas infection, an african tickbite fever, an american tick bite fever, an arcanobacterium haemolyticuminfection, a bacillary angiomatosis, a bejel, a blastomycosis-likepyoderma, a blistering distal dactylitis, a botryomycosis, aBrill-Zinsser disease, a brucellosis, a bullous impetigo, a canker, acat scratch disease, a chancre, a chancroid, a chlamydial infection, achronic lymphangitis, a chronic recurrent erysipelas, a chronicundermining burrowing ulcers, a chromobacteriosis infection, acondylomata lata, a cutaneous actinomycosis, a cutaneous anthraxinfection, a cutaneous diphtheria infection, a cutaneous group Bstreptococcal infection, a cutaneous pasteurella hemolytica infection, acutaneous streptococcus iniae infection, a dermatitis gangrenosa, adesert sore, a digital dermatitis, a ecthyma gangrenosum, a ehrlichiosisewingii infection, a elephantiasis nostras, a endemic typhus, a epidemictyphus, a erysipelas, a erysipeloid of rosenbach, a erythema marginatum,a erythrasma, a external otitis, a felon, a flea-borne spotted fever, aflinders island spotted fever, a flying squirrel typhus, a folliculitis,a foot abscess, a Fournier gangrene, a furunculosis, a gas gangrene, aglanders, a Glässer's disease, a gonococcemia, a gonorrhea, agram-negative folliculitis, a gram-negative toe web infection, agranuloma inguinale, a green nail syndrome, a group jk corynebacteriumsepsis, a haemophilus influenzae cellulitis, a helicobacter cellulitis,a hospital furunculosis, a hot tub folliculitis, a humangranulocytotropic anaplasmosis, a human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis, animpetigo contagiosa, an infected oil gland, an interdigital dermatitis,an interdigital phlegmon, an Italian foot rot a japanese spotted fever,a joint-ill, a leptospirosis, a Listeria monocytogenes infection, alisteriosis, a Ludwig's angina, a lupoid sycosis, a lyme disease, alymphogranuloma venereum, a malakoplakia, a mediterranean spotted fever,a melioidosis, a meningococcemia, a missouri lyme disease, a mycoplasmainfection, a necrotizing fasciitis, a neonatal toxic shock-likeexanthematous disease, a nocardiosis, a noma neonatorum, a north asiantick typhus, an ophthalmia neonatorum, an erysipelas, an oroya fever, apasteurellosis, a periapical abscess, a pinta, a pitted keratolysis, aplague, a pododermatitis, a primary gonococcal dermatitis, a pseudomonalpyoderma, a pseudomonas hot-foot syndrome, a pyogenic paronychia, apyomyositis, a Q fever, a Queensland tick typhus, a rat-bite fever, arecurrent toxin-mediated perineal erythema, a rhinoscleroma, arickettsia aeschlimannii infection, a rickettsialpox, a ringbone, arocky mountain spotted fever, a saber shin, a saddle nose, asalmonellosis, a scarlet fever, a scrub typhus, a shigellosis, astaphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, a streptococcal intertrigo, asuper foot rot, a superficial pustular folliculitis, a sycosis vulgaris,a syphilid, a syphilis, a thrush, a tick-borne lymphadenopathy, a toxicshock syndrome, a trench fever, a tropical ulcer, a tularemia, a verrugaperuana, a vibrio vulnificus infection, or a yaws.

According to an embodiment, the fungal infection may be one of aaspergillus infection, a cryptococcosis, a ringworm, a candidiasis, apsoriasis, a thrush, a blastomycosis, a chytridiomycosis, acoccidioidomycosis, a histoplasmosis, a tinea (pityriasis) versicolor,an african histoplasmosis, an alternariosis, an antibiotic candidiasis,a black piedra, a candidal intertrigo, a candidal onychomycosis, acandidal paronychia, a candidal vulvovaginitis, a candidid, achromoblastomycosis, a chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, acoccidioidomycosis, a congenital cutaneous candidiasis, acryptococcosis, a dermatophytid, a diaper candidiasis, a disseminatedcoccidioidomycosis, a distal subungual onychomycosis, anentomophthoromycosis, an erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica, a favus,a fungal folliculitis, a fusariosis, a geotrichosis, a granulomagluteale infantum, a histoplasmosis, a hyalohyphomycosis, a kerion, alobomycosis, a mucormycosis, a mycetoma, a north american blastomycosis,an onychomycosis, an oral candidiasis, an otomycosis, a perianalcandidiasis, a perlèche, a phaeohyphomycosis, a piedra, a pityrosporumfolliculitis, a primary cutaneous aspergillosis, a primary cutaneouscoccidioidomycosis, a primary cutaneous histoplasmosis, a primarypulmonary coccidioidomycosis, a primary pulmonary histoplasmosis, aprogressive disseminated histoplasmosis, a proximal subungualonychomycosis, a rhinosporidiosis, a south american blastomycosis, asporotrichosis, a systemic candidiasis, a tinea barbae, a tinea capitis,a tinea corporis, a tinea corporis gladiatorum, a tinea cruris, a tineafaciei, a tinea imbricata, a tinea incognito, a tinea manuum, a tineanigra, a tinea pedis, a tinea versicolor, a white piedra, a whitesuperficial onychomycosis, or a zygomycosis.

According to an embodiment, the skin lesion may be one of an ulcer, adiabetic ulcer, a furuncle, a carbuncle, a fissure, a crack, or ablister.

According to an embodiment, the disease of an appendage may be amastitis.

Formulations of the present invention can include any number ofcombinations of ingredients discussed throughout this specification(e.g., phenolic compounds of natural origin, essential oils,surfactants, solvents, sequestering agents, water, etc.). It is alsocontemplated that that the concentrations of the ingredients can vary.

The present invention will be more readily understood by referring tothe following examples which are given to illustrate the inventionrather than to limit its scope.

EXAMPLE 1 Antimicrobial Formulations

TABLE 1 Antimicrobial formulations Thymol Sequestering Crystal Essentialagent Surfactant(s) Solvent Fragrance (% w/w) Oil (% w/w) (% w/w) (%w/w) (% w/w) (% w/w) pH A 0.18 0.03 0.01 0.12 — 0.01 6.9 B 0.18 0.030.01 — 0.18 0.01 6.7 C 0.18 0.03 — 0.12 0.18 0.01 6.5 1 0.18 0.03 0.010.12 0.18 0.01 6.5 D 18 3 1 12 — 1 8.1 E 18 3 1 — 18 1 7.9 2 18 3 1 1218 1 8.8 3 0.18 0.03 0.09 0.12 0.76 — 8.0 4 6 1 3 4 25 — 8.2 5 23 — — 1236 3 9.73 6 0.23 — — 0.12 0.36 0.03 7.31 7 8 — 3 12 30 3 9.58 8 0.24 —0.09 0.36 0.9 0.09 7.57 9 0.24 — — 0.5 5 0.09 7.6 Solubility in FoamingEffect in Hard Water/Stability Foaming Effect Water A NO YES YES B NO NOYES C YES YES NO 1 YES YES YES D NO YES n/a E NO NO n/a 2 YES YES n/a 3YES YES YES 4 YES YES n/a n/a: Not applicable this formula requiresdilution before use

When a sequestering agent such as sodium citrate is present, it is firstdissolved in a predetermined amount of water and stirred untildissolution. Glycol ether PM or 1,3-propanediol (solvent), thymol,essential oil (origanum oil) and optionally a fragrance are then addedand stirred until dissolution. Surfactants (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and/orSodium Laureth Sulfate and/or Cetyl Betaine) and additional water arethen added and stirred until dissolution to provide a 100% (w/w)formulation. The final formulation is stirred until a homogeneoussolution is obtained. Formulation 1, obtained from Formulation 2 bymeans of dilution with water (1% w/w), is considered a “ready to use”formulation. Formulation 3, obtained from Formulation 4 by means ofdilution with water (3% w/w), is considered a “ready to use”formulation. Formulation 6, obtained from Formulation 5 by means ofdilution with water (1% w/w), is considered a “ready to use”formulation. Formulation 8, obtained from Formulation 7 by means ofdilution with water (3% w/w), is considered a “ready to use”formulation. Formulation 9 is a ready to use formulation.

As illustrated hereinabove, the formulations are first formulated as a“concentrate” (Formulations 2, 4, 5 and 7), dilution of which providesfor the preparation of Formulations 1, 3, 6 and 8. Formulations A, B, C,D, E, 1 and 2 comprise essential oil (Origanum Oil). Formulations 3 and4 do not comprise any fragrance. Formulations 5,6,7,8, and 9 cancomprise a fragrance. Formulations 5,6 and 9 do not comprise anysequestering agent. The formulations have a pH ranging from about 6.5 toabout 9.7.

As illustrated herein above, Formulation A and D have no solvent and areneither stable nor soluble in water. The solvent helps for solubilityand stability of the Formulations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.Formulation B and E have no surfactant and are not stable, not solublein water, and have no foaming effect. Surfactant(s) help for thestability, solubility and foaming effect of Formulations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8 and 9. Formulation C has a solvent and surfactant, and isstable, soluble in water and has a foaming effect._Dilution using hardwater did not affect the characteristics of Formulations 1, 3 and 8which is indicative of the efficacy of the sequestering agent forFormulations 1,3 and 8.

EXAMPLE 2 Sequestering Agent

Foaming capacity is a very important characteristic of disinfectants. Itis crucial that disinfectants foam even when formulated of diluted withhard water. This is especially important in rural setting, where thewater used to dilute agricultural disinfectant will almost always behard water.

Formulations 10 to 17 (Table 2) were prepared using 400 ppm hard water.20 mL of formulations 10 to 17 were dispensed in cylindrical graduatedcylinders. The cylinders were shaken for 10 seconds, and then left tostand for 1 minute. Foam height and thickness were then measured foreach formulation (Table 3). The test was repeated 2 other times, for atotal of 3 measurements for each formulation.

TABLE 2 Formulations with hard water Formulation 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17Thymol % 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 Surfactant % 0.35 0.350.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 Solvent % 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9Essential 0 0.02 0 0.02 0 0.02 0 0.02 Oil % Fragrance % 0 0 0.03 0.03 00 0.03 0.03 Sequestring 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0 0 0 0 agent % Hard Water %Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. stands for quantitysufficient or to add enough of the major ingredient until a total of100% of the formula is reached.

TABLE 3 Foam height (cm) and thickness after 1 minute, when usingstandard AOAC 400 ppm hard water Formulation 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17Foam 13 10 19 12 11 9 13 13 height 10 14 18 13 13 9 13 10 10 13 14 13 108 10 10 Thickness 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 Foamthickness: 1 = thin, bubble bath like; 5 = thick, shaving cream like

As illustrated herein above, Foam thickness was higher for Formulations10, 11, 12 and 13 containing a sequestring agent (2.75) thanFormulations 14, 15, 16 and 17 not containing a sequestring agent(2.42), a difference of 14%. Foam height was significatively higher(p<0.05, unpaired t-test) for formulations containing a sequestringagent (13.75 cm) when compared to formulations not containing asequestring agent (10.75 cm), a difference of 23%. The results clearlyindicate that the presence of a sequestring agent affects the quantityof foam yielded by a formulation. The importance of foam in disinfectingapplications in very important, especially in agricultural settings.

EXAMPLE 3 Biological Efficacy of Selected Phenolic Compounds andEssential Oils

The minimum concentration at which a total antimicrobial activity couldbe observed is determined for selected phenolic compounds of naturalorigin and selected essential oils using the AOAC method 955.15 (“PhenolCoefficient Method”) with minor modifications. Different concentrationsof essential oils and phenolic compounds of natural origin areincorporated into formulation F (see table hereinbelow) and inoculatedwith a 0.05% bacterial suspension of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538;concentration of about 8 logs). After a contact time of 10 minutes, 0.1ml of the inoculated solution is transferred to a broth culture withneutralizing (Difco 268110) and incubated over a period of 72 hours at37° C. The presence of turbidity in the broth culture is indicative ofthe survival of the microorganism

As illustrated herein below in Table 4, the results are indicative ofthe excellent antimicrobial activity of both thymol and carvacrol.Thymol and carvacrol need a much lower concentration (0.07% v/v) toachieve total antimicrobial activity than other phenolic compounds andessential oils.

TABLE 4 Minimal concentration of antimicrobial agents MinimalConcentration Antimicrobial Agent (v/v %) Thymol  0.07 Carvacrol  0.07Eugenol 0.4 Citral >1% Thyme oil 0.3 Origanum oil 0.2 Eucalyptus oil >1%Lemon oil >1%

EXAMPLE 4 Quantitative Microbial Reduction Assay

The antimicrobial activity for selected formulations of the presentinvention is determined. The different formulations (Table 5) areinoculated with 0.05% of a bacterial culture of Staphylococcus aureus(ATCC 6538) freshly incubated over a period of 48 hours at 37° C. in anoptimal growth medium. After a contact time of 10 minutes, 0.1 ml of theinoculated solution is seeded at different dilutions on TSA agar (Difco255320) with neutralizing to determine the residual microbial load. Thelog reduction is determined by calculating the logarithm of the residualcharge obtained with the reference formulation (i.e. water) andcomparing it with the residual charge obtained using any of theformulations comprising either a phenolic compound or an essential oil.

Several formulations comprising a phenolic compound of natural origin oran essential oil (0.18%) are tested to determine their effectiveness inreducing the load of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). The solutionsare prepared from a concentrate and diluted with water (1:100). Asillustrated herein below in Table 5, the results are indicative of thehigh efficiency of Formulations 10, 11 and 12 in reducing the load ofStaphylococcus aureus.

TABLE 5 Microbial reduction Antimicrobial Sequestring Surfactant SolventLog Agent (w/w) agent (w/w) (w/w) (w/w) Reduction F — 0.01 0.12 0.180.60 10 Thymol 0.01 0.12 0.18 7.63 11 Carvacrol 0.01 0.12 0.18 7.63 GEugenol 0.01 0.12 0.18 2.50 H Citral 0.01 0.12 0.18 2.04 I Thyme oil0.01 0.12 0.18 3.06 12 Origanum oil 0.01 0.12 0.18 7.63 J Eucalyptus oil0.01 0.12 0.18 0.71 K Lemon oil 0.01 0.12 0.18 0.64

EXAMPLE 5 Biological Efficacy of Individual Ingredients

Formulations 8 and 13 to 25 are prepared with individual ingredients andcombinations of ingredients of the formulations of the present invention(Table 6). Formulations Formulations 8 and 13 to 25 are then tested fortheir biological efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus. Briefly, 0.1 mLof bacterial culture containing 1×10⁸ CFU of Staphylococcus aureus (i.e.100 000 000 bacteria) is inoculated in a tube containing 10 mL of agiven formulation (diluted at a given ratio). The tube's content is thenmixed and let stand for 2 minutes (the “contact time”). After 2 minutes,0.01 mL of tube content is transferred to a tube containing 9 mL of aneutralizing bacterial culture media (Letheen Broth) that stops theantimicrobial action of the formulation and allows microbial growth.Tubes are then checked for presence of microbial growth after 72 h. Themore potent the antimicrobial effect of the formulation, the more it canbe diluted before it is no longer potent enough to kill at least 99.999%(5 logs) of the bacteria during the given contact time.

TABLE 6 Formulations with individual or combined ingredients Formulation13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Thymol % (w/w) 0.24 0 0 0.24 0.24 0 0 0 00 Surfactant % (w/w) 0 0.36 0 0.36 0 0.36 0 0 0 0 Solvent % (w/w) 0 00.9 0 0.9 0.9 0 0 0 0 Essential Oil (w/w) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.02 0 0.02Fragrance (w/w) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.03 0.03 Sequestring agent 0 0 0 0 0 00.09 0 0 0.09 (w/w) Water % (w/w) Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S Q.S.Q.S. Q.S. Formulation 23 24 8 25 Thymol % (w/w) 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24Surfactant % (w/w) 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 Solvent % (w/w) 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9Essential Oil (w/w) 0 0.02 0 0.02 Fragrance (w/w) 0 0 0.03 0.03Sequestring agent 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 (w/w) Water % (w/w) Q.S. Q.S. Q.S.Q.S.

As illustrated herein below in Table 7, it is evident that Formulations8, 23, 24 and 25, embodiments of the present invention, are vastlysuperior to formulations containing only some of the ingredientsdescribed in the present document. Formulations 8, 23, 24 and 25 canstill kill all the bacteria when diluted 1/4. The other formulationscannot kill the bacteria even when undiluted (except formulation 17,which cannot once it is diluted 1/2).

From those results, it is evident to those skilled in the art that thereis a very significant difference in efficacy between the formulationscontaining all the ingredients and those that contain only some of them.Likewise, the combination of all the ingredients yields formulationsthat are much more powerful than what could have been expected whenconsidering the properties of the individual ingredients by themselves.

TABLE 7 Antimicrobial effect of the formulations Dilution/Growth 13 1415 16 17 18 19 1 + + + + − + + ½ + + + + + + + ¼ + + + + + + +⅛ + + + + + + + Dilution/Growth 20 21 22 23 24 8 25 1 + + + − − − −½ + + + − − − − ¼ + + + − − − − ⅛ + + + − + − −(+) Indicates that the culture tube shows bacterial growth. Thisindicates that the formulation at that dilution was not able to kill allof the bacteria during the 2 minutes contact time, and thus the bacteriamultiplied in the culture tube.(−) Indicates that the culture tube does not show bacterial growth. Thisindicates that the formulation at that dilution was not able to kill allof the bacteria during the 2 minutes contact time, and thus the bacteriamultiplied in the culture tube.

EXAMPLE 6 Biological Efficacy of Formulation 1 on SelectedMicroorganisms

The antimicrobial formulations of the present invention exhibit a broadspectrum of activity on a variety of microorganisms. As shown hereinbelow, the efficacy of Formulation 1 against a variety of microorganismsis determined.

TABLE 8 Microbial activity on various microorganisms Standard Group ofMicro- Activity Method Microorganisms organism 1 Bactericidal AOAC¹Bacteria Gram− Salmonella Pass (Dilution Test) cholerasuis BacteriaGram+ Staphylococcus Pass aureus Fungicide AOAC Fungus Trichophyton PassFungicidal mentagrophytes Activity Test Virucidal ASTM² Virus InfluenzaA Pass Efficacy of Virucidal Agents ¹Association of AnalyticalCommunities, ²American Society for Testing and Materials

EXAMPLE 7 Biological Efficacy of Formulations With Short Contact Time

Various formulations intended to disinfect or sanitize an appendage (ex.skin) do not allow, in real life situation, a long contact time betweenthe formulation and the appendage. For example, the foam, gel, mist,etc. of a hand sanitizer stands on the hands of a subject approximately30 seconds at best. It is thus crucial that formulations intended todisinfect or sanitize skin have an antimicrobial efficacy in shortcontact times.

Formulations 9 and 26 to 29 are prepared as illustrated in Table 9herein below. Formulations 26 to 29 are based on Formulation 9, withdecreasing concentrations of thymol. Formulations are then tested fortheir biological efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus. Briefly, 0.1 mLof bacterial culture containing 1×10⁷, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁴ or 1×10³ CFUof Staphylococcus aureus is inoculated in a tube containing 10 mL of thegiven Formulation. The tube's content is then mixed and let stand for 15seconds (the “contact time”). After 15 seconds, 0.01 mL of tube contentis transferred to a tube containing 9 mL of a neutralizing bacterialculture media (Letheen Broth) that stops the antimicrobial action of theformulation and allows microbial growth. Tubes with differentconcentrations of bacteria (5, 4, 3, 2, 1 logs) are then checked forpresence of microbial growth after 72 h. The more potent theantimicrobial effect of the formulation, the more it can kill high logsof the bacteria during the given contact time. The same experiment wasdone with Pseudomona aeruginosa.

TABLE 9 Formulations with decreasing concentration of thymol andantimicrobial efficacy with a 15 seconds contact time Formulation 9 2627 28 29 Thymol % (w/w) 0.24 0.17 0.1 0.05 0.01 Surfactant % (w/w) 0.50.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Solvent % (w/w) 5 5 5 5 5 Fragrance (w/w) 0.09 0.09 0.090.09 0.09 Water % (w/w) Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Log reduction againstS. aureus 4 3 1 0 0 Log reduction against P. aeruginosa 4 2 1 1 1

As illustrated herein above in Table 9, with a contact time of 15seconds, Formulations 9, 26 and 27, embodiments of the presentinvention, are superior to formulations containing lower concentrationsof thymol. At thymol concentrations of 0.05 and 0.01, we no longerobserve a Log reduction of S. aureus, while we still kill 1 Log of P.aeruginosa. This can be explained by the structural differences betweenGam-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

From those results, it is evident to those skilled in the art that thereis a significant difference in efficacy between the formulationscontaining decreasing concentration of thymol for a short contact timeto achieve antimicrobial efficacy. Likewise, the formulations are morelikely to be effective in short contact times when the thymolconcentration is above 0.05%.

EXAMPLE 8 Toxicity of the Antimicrobial Formulations

Toxicity tests (LD₅₀) are performed on selected ingredients of theantimicrobial formulations of the present invention. Formulation 1 isdetermined as having a LD₅₀ of >15 g/Kg. Based on the Hodge and Sternertoxicity scale, Formulation 1 is considered relatively harmless. Asshown in Table 10, the toxicity of isolated ingredients of theformulations from the present invention was tested and they areconsidered from slightly toxic to relatively harmless. The toxicity ofactive ingredients present in other disinfectants was also tested andthe results are shown in Table 11. These examples are more toxic thaneach ingredient of the formulations of the present invention.

TABLE 10 Toxicity of various ingredients of Formulation 1 of the presentinvention Ingredients LD₅₀ Oral-rat Specification Thymol 980 mg/kg USP,FCC Origanum oil 1850 mg/kg USP, FCC Citral 4960 mg/kg Oxford UniversitySodium Citrate >8000 mg/kg USP, FCC Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 1288 mg/kgUSP, FCC Sodium Laureth Sulfate >5000 mg/kg Hill Top Research GlycolEther PM 5 210 mg/kg WHMIS Cetyl Betaine 1620 mg/kg Handbook of GreenChemicals 1,3-Propanediol >15 000 mg/kg USP

TABLE 11 Toxicity of various ingredients of known commercialformulations (Prior art) Ingredients LD₅₀ Oral-rat Specification Coppersulfate 352 mg/Kg ClearTech Formaldehyde 100 mg/Kg SicenceLab.comQuaternary ammonium 366 mg/kg  Lonza Inc Iodine  14 mg/kg FisherScientific

EXAMPLE 9 Footbath Product Comparison

Typically, treatment of hoof infection in cattle consists of topicalapplication of antibiotic and footbaths with disinfectant solution tocontrol the transmission of etiological agents in the infected herd.Formulation 5 of the present invention can be used in footbaths for thecontrol of hoof infections in cattle. Copper sulfate pentahydrate andFormaldehyde are two other commonly used solutions in footbaths. Table12 describes characteristics of Formulation 5 and the two othersolutions.

Table 12 lists the following characteristics of Formulation 5, anembodiment of the present invention: i) needs a low dilution; ii) isbiodegradable; iii) is not irritant; iv) is not toxic; v) has nocarcinogenic effects and vi) the active ingredient is GenerallyRecognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. These are beneficial features asit renders the formulation efficient to reduce microbial presence whilebeing safe and non-toxic to humans and animals. Copper sulfate andFormaldehyde do not possess these features.

TABLE 12 Characteristics of footbaths solutions Copper sulfateFormaldehyde Formulation 5 pentahydrate¹ 37%² Use dilution 1% 5-10% 5%Biodegradability Readily N/A Long term degradation product may ariseIrritancy Non-irritant Irritant (skin, Irritant (skin, eye) eye)Toxicity Non-Toxic Toxic Toxic Oral, rat: LD₅₀ of Oral, rat: Oral, rat:LD50 of >15 g/Kg LD50 of 100 mg/Kg 352 mg/Kg CarcinogenicNon-Carcinogenic Classified A2 Non-Carcinogenic effects (Suspected forhuman) Regulatory Status Generally Scrutinized in Scrutinized in US ofactive recognized as Europe ingredients safe by FDA ¹Information: MSDSCopper Sulphate, ClearTech ²Information: MSDS Formaldehyde 37%,SicenceLab.com

EXAMPLE 10 In Vitro Efficacy of Formulation 5 and Copper Sulfate AgainstTreponemes

Digital dermatitis (DD) is one of the major hoof diseases in cattle.Digital dermatitis (DD) also known as foot rot is a highly contagiousdisease commonly found in sheep, goats, and cattle. Control andtreatment of digital dermatitis in cattle is commonly done via footbathsand localized application of antibiotics. A spirochete (Treponema) isstrongly suspected to be the etiological agent and is found in almostall cases of digital dermatitis. The efficacy of Formulation 5 andCopper Sulfate is evaluated in vitro against a Treponema.

The treponemes (T. phagedaenis-like bacteria at a concentration of about10⁶ CFU/ml) were exposed to the solutions in triplicate with a 50%(volume/volume) dilution series. The starting %(w/w) of Formulation 5 is1% and Copper Sulfate, 5%, i.e. the usual working concentrations forthese solutions in footbaths. Exposition to the solutions is 10 minutesand minimal exposure time in presence of 10% and 20% sterilized manure.MICs are determined as the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration of thesolutions. MICs for Formulation 5 and Copper Sulfate are presented inTable 13.

TABLE 13 MICs on treponemes of footbath solutions Formulation 5 CopperSulfate Working concentration in footbaths     1%     5% MIC at Minimalexposure time 0.00781% 0.01953% MIC at 10 minutes Exposure time  0.0026%0.03906% MIC at Minimal exposure time with 10% 0.00651% 0.01302% manureMIC at Minimal exposure time with 0.00391% 0.01953% 20% manure

As illustrated herein above in Table 13, Formulation 5 and coppersulfate have MICs below the working concentrations in footbaths forthese solutions. Also, these formulations can achieve a good efficacy inpresence of manure. Formulation 5's MIC is roughly 10 times lower thancopper sulfate. From these results, it becomes evident that Formulation5 can achieve an efficacy against treponemes at lower concentrationsthan Copper Sulfate in vitro.

EXAMPLE 11 Use of Formulation 5 For Footbaths in Cattle Positive toDigital Dermatitis

Formulation 5, embodiment of the present invention, is evaluatedcombined to a topical antibiotic treatment to control and treat DD incattle. Three free-stall herds of dairy cattle positive to DD wereselected totalizing 400 animals. Characteristics of the involved herdsare presented in Table 14. Formulation 5 is diluted 1:100 in water, andintroduced into the baths. During the experiment, cows of each herd gothrough the footbath 3 times a week. Two hundred cows are allowed to gothrough the footbaths before the solution is changed to a fresh one.Lesions of posterior hoofs are evaluated throughout the experiment basedon the Mortellaro lesion scale: M0, no lesion; M1, small active lesion;M2, large active lesion; M3, healing lesion and M4, chronic lesion. Whenactive lesions (M1 and M2) are observed, tetracycline is applied on thehoofs. The “lesion status” of a cow is determined by the most severelesion of the two posterior hoofs. Most severe lesion to less severe:M2>M1>M4>M3>M0. At week 0 before the beginning of foot baths and Week 3,lesion score were compiled based on the hoof cage (week 0) and milkparlor (week 3) observations. A statistical McNemar test was done todetermine if there was a significant reduction in active lesions M1 andM2 (most severe and painful) in the herds. Results are presented inTable 15.

TABLE 14 Characteristics of herds involved in the study Herd 1 Herd 2Herd 3 Total cows 145 275 300 Cows observed 125 115 165 Prevalence of DDat 53% 33% 31% Day 0 (M1 + M2 lesions) Dimension of foot 194 × 74 × 16198 × 84 × 15 186 × 76 × 12 baths 250 × 100 × 15 (cm × cm × cm) Volumeof foot baths 165 220 200 (L) 340

TABLE 15 Percentage of cows with absence of lesions (M0), active lesions(M1 + M2), healing lesions (M3) and chronic lesions (M4) at Week 0 andWeek 3 after the beginning of footbaths. Week 0 Week 3 Lesion score % ofcows % of cows McNemar test Herd 1 M0 4.9 8.7 — M1 + M2 53.3 8.7 p <0.0001 M3 0.0 9.5 — M4 41.8 73.0 — Herd 2 M0 2.6 10.4 — M1 + M2 33.0 1.1p < 0.0001 M3 9.6 19.8 — M4 54.8 68.7 — Herd 3 M0 3.5 16.5 — M1 + M231.2 15.2 p < 0.0001 M3 20.2 15.9 — M4 45.1 52.4 —

As illustrated and described herein above, Formulation 5 diluted 1:100in water was tested in footbaths for the control of DD in three positiveherds. The herds have different starting levels of DD, different footbaths installations, different herd sizes. Nevertheless, in the threeherds, after three weeks of footbaths, the percentage of cows withactive lesions dropped significantly (p<0.0001). It is evident to thoseskilled in the art that the level of significance of this finding isvery high. It is thus evident that the footbaths of formulation 5,combined to local application of antibiotic, contribute to decrease themost severe lesions in the herds.

Formulation 5 of the present invention has i) beneficial featurescompared to other foot bath solutions (Table 12), ii) has a higherefficacy in vitro against a DD pathogen (Table 13) and iii) allows areduction of active DD lesion in cattle. It is evident to those skilledin the art that these findings combined makes formulations of thepresent invention the preferred solution for foot baths.

EXAMPLE 12 pH Adjusting Agent Containing Compositions

Composition of the present invention containing pH adjusting agents areprepared according to the amounts listed below:

Lactic acid

Compositions Ingredient (% w/w) LA 1 LA 2 LA 3 LA 4 LA 5 Thymol 23 23 2323 23 Surfactant 12 11.7 11.4 11.1 10.8 Solvant 36 36 36 36 36 Lacticacid solution ≥85% 1 2 3 4 5 Water QS QS QS QS QS pH 3.92 3.6 3.41 3.243.18 pH 1:100 dilution in water 5.93 4.2 3.7 3.39 3.34Citric acid

Compositions Ingredient (% w/w) CA1 CA2 CA3 CA4 CA5 Thymol 23 23 23 2323 Surfactant 12 11.7 11.4 11.1 10.8 Solvent 36 36 36 36 36 Citric acidsolution ≥99.5% 1 2 3 4 5 Water QS QS QS QS QS pH 3.34 3.00 2.81 2.642.50 pH 1:100 dilution in water 5.46 4.19 3.60 3.20 3.16

While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in theart that modifications may be made without departing from thisdisclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variantscomprised in the scope of the disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of preventing or treating a hoofbacterial infection on at least one hoof of a live hoofed animal havinga bacterial presence thereon, the method consisting of topicallyapplying to said hoof an antibacterial formulation for a time sufficientto reduce said bacterial presence, said antibacterial formulationconsisting of : a) one antibacterial isolated or synthetic phenoliccompound of natural origin selected from the group consisting of thymoland carvacrol; b) at least one surfactant sufficient to form a solutionor dispersion of said phenolic compound in water; c) a solvent fordissolving said phenolic compound; d) a pH adjusting agent; and e) asufficient water quantity to make 100% (w/w); wherein said pH adjustingagent is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, boricacid, sulfuric acid, monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, trisodiumphosphate, monopotassium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, tripotassiumphosphate, Tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS), paracetic acid,propionic acid, fumaric acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, phenylaceticacid, tartaric acid, dehydroacetic acid, glycine,2-amino-2methyl-1,3-propanediol (AMPD),N-(1,1-Dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-3-amino-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid(AMPSO), N-Glycylglycine (Gly-Gly),4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-propanesulfonic acid (HEPPS),3-(cyclohexylamino)-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPS),3-(cyclohexylamino)-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPSO),2-(cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid (CHES),N,N-bis[2-hydroxyethyl]-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid (BES),(2-[2-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethylamino] ethanesulphonic acid(TES), 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES),N-[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine (Tricine);N-Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (TAPS) and3-N-Morpholino propanesulfonic acid (MOPS),piperazie-N,N′-bis[2-hydroxypropanesulphonic]acid (POPSO) , and acombination thereof.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said formulationcomprises from about 0.05% to about 25% (w/w) of said phenolic compound.3. The method of claim 1, wherein said formulation comprises from about0.1% to about 15% (w/w) of said surfactant.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein said formulation comprises from about 0.1% to about 40% (w/w) ofsaid solvent.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said formulationcomprises from about 0.01% to about 5% (w/w) of said pH adjusting agent.6. The method of claim 1, wherein said phenolic compound is thymol. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein said surfactant is selected from thegroup consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbitan stearate, sodiumlaureth sulfate, sarkosyl, cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium laurylether sulfonate, alkyl benzene sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylate,sorbitan esters and ether ethoxylate.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinpH of said antibacterial formulation has a pH from about 1 to about 10.9. The method of claim 1, wherein said hoof bacterial infection ischosen from a hoof rot, hoof scald, hoof abscesses, and combinationsthereof.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein topically applying is withone of a spray, a bath, a footbath, a direct application, a wipe, acream, an ointment, a gel, or an unguent.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein said hoof bacterial infection is a lesion.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein said lesion is one of an ulcer, a diabetic ulcer, afuruncle, a carbuncle, a fissure, a crack, or a blister.
 13. The methodof claim 1, wherein said hoof bacterial infection is one of a salmonellainfection, an E. coli infection, a staphylococcal infection, aspirochete infection, an impetigo, an ecthyma, a carbunculosis, afolliculitis, an erysipelas, an african tick bite fever, anarcanobacterium haemolyticum infection, a botryomycosis, a brucellosis,a canker, a chlamydial infection, a chronic lymphangitis, a chronicrecurrent erysipelas, a cutaneous anthrax infection, a cutaneousdiphtheria infection, a cutaneous group B streptococcal infection, acutaneous pasteurella hemolytica infection, a cutaneous streptococcusiniae infection, a dermatitis gangrenosa, a desert sore, a digitaldermatitis, a ecthyma gangrenosuma erythrasma, a foot abscess, afurunculosis, a gas gangrene, a glanders, a gram-negative folliculitis,a helicobacter cellulitis, an infected oil gland, an interdigitaldermatitis, an interdigital phlegmon, an Italian foot rot aleptospirosis, a Listeria monocytogenes infection, a listeriosis, amelioidosis, a necrotizing fasciitis, a pasteurellosis, apododermatitis, a primary gonococcal dermatitis, a salmonellosis, asuper foot rot, or a toxic shock syndrome.
 14. The method of claim 1wherein said live hoofed animal is livestock.
 15. The method of claim 1wherein said live hoofed animal is cattle.
 16. The method of claim 1wherein said live hoofed animal is a dairy cow.
 17. A method ofpreventing or treating a hoof bacterial infection on at least one hoofof a live hoofed animal having a bacterial presence thereon, the methodconsisting of topically applying to said hoof an antibacterialformulation for a time sufficient to reduce said bacterial presence,said antibacterial formulation consisting of: a) one antibacterialisolated or synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin selected fromthe group consisting of thymol and carvacrol; b) at least one surfactantsufficient to form a solution or dispersion of said phenolic compound inwater; c) a solvent for dissolving said phenolic compound; and d) asequestering agent; e) a pH adjusting agent; and f) a sufficient waterquantity to make 100% (w/w); wherein said pH adjusting agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, boric acid, sulfuricacid, monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, trisodium phosphate,monopotassium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, tripotassium phosphate,Tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS), paracetic acid, propionic acid,fumaric acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaricacid, dehydroacetic acid, glycine, 2-amino-2methyl-1,3-propanediol(AMPD), N-(1,1-Dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-3-amino-2-hydroxypropanesulfonicacid (AMPSO), N-Glycylglycine (Gly-Gly),4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-propanesulfonic acid (HEPPS),3-(cyclohexylamino)-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPS),3-(cyclohexylamino)-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPSO),2-(cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid (CHES),N,N-bis[2-hydroxyethyl]-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid (BES),(2-[2-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethylamino] ethanesulphonic acid(TES), 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES),N-[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine (Tricine);N-Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (TAPS) and3-N-Morpholino propanesulfonic acid (MOPS),piperazie-N,N′-bis[2-hydroxypropanesulphonic]acid (POPSO), and acombination thereof.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said phenoliccompound is from about 0.05% to about 25% (w/w) of said formulation. 19.The method of claim 17, wherein said surfactant is from about 0.1% toabout 15% (w/w) of said formulation.
 20. The method of claim 17, whereinsaid solvent is from about 0.1% to about 40% (w/w) of said formulation.21. The method of claim 17, wherein said formulation comprises fromabout 0.01% to about 5% (w/w) of said pH adjusting agent.
 22. The methodof claim 17, wherein said formulation comprises from about 0.01% toabout 10% (w/w) of said sequestering agent.
 23. The method of claim 17,wherein said phenolic compound is thymol.
 24. The method of a claim 17,wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sodiumlauryl sulfate, sorbitan stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, sarkosyl,cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium lauryl ether sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylate, sorbitan esters and etherethoxylate.
 25. The method of claim 17, wherein said sequestering agentis selected from the group consisting of ethylene diamine tetraaceticacid (EDTA) sodium salt, sodium gluconate, sodium citrate, citric acid,trisodium NTA, trisodium ethylene disuccinate, sodium phosphate andsodium choleate.
 26. The method of claim 17, wherein pH of saidantibacterial formulation has a pH from about 1 to about
 10. 27. Themethod of claim 17, wherein said hoof bacterial infection is chosen froma hoof rot, hoof scald, hoof abscesses, and combinations thereof. 28.The method of claim 17, wherein topically applying is with one of aspray, a bath, a footbath, a direct application, a wipe, a cream, anointment, a gel, or an unguent.
 29. The method of claim 17, wherein saidhoof bacterial infection is a lesion.
 30. The method of claim 17,wherein said lesion is one of an ulcer, a diabetic ulcer, a furuncle, acarbuncle, a fissure, a crack, or a blister.
 31. The method of claim 17,wherein said bacterial infection is one of a salmonella infection, an E.coli infection, a staphylococcal infection, a spirochete infection, animpetigo, an ecthyma, a carbunculosis, a folliculitis, an erysipelas, anafrican tick bite fever, an arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection, abotryomycosis, a brucellosis, a canker, a chlamydial infection, achronic lymphangitis, a chronic recurrent erysipelas, a cutaneousanthrax infection, a cutaneous diphtheria infection, a cutaneous group Bstreptococcal infection, a cutaneous pasteurella hemolytica infection, acutaneous streptococcus iniae infection, a dermatitis gangrenosa, adesert sore, a digital dermatitis, a ecthyma gangrenosuma erythrasma, afoot abscess, a furunculosis, a gas gangrene, a glanders, agram-negative folliculitis, a helicobacter cellulitis, an infected oilgland, an interdigital dermatitis, an interdigital phlegmon, an Italianfoot rot a leptospirosis, a Listeria monocytogenes infection, alisteriosis, a melioidosis, a necrotizing fasciitis, a pasteurellosis, apododermatitis, a primary gonococcal dermatitis, a salmonellosis, asuper foot rot, or a toxic shock syndrome.
 32. The method of claim 17wherein said live hoofed animal is livestock.
 33. The method of claim 17wherein said live hoofed animal is cattle.
 34. The method of claim 17wherein said live hoofed animal is a dairy cow.